When I first ran across Cheapdegrees.com which is how I ended up on my journey back to school I was thinking that everyone I knew would want to take advantage of getting their degree (for those who didn't have a degree and a few others I knew were considering career changes). Boy was I off the mark. I got alot of skpetisism and almost negative feedback. I was a little suprised by the feedback but it has not detered my goals - in fact if anything it has strengthen my resolve to continue my education. However I know the theory that people are like crabs in some ways. If you put crabs in a bucket - Not sure what theory so don't ask lol - if one seems to be getting out the others will pull him down. Crazy huh but I think we all have met people like that in our lives. I know that this forum specifically is for Distance Learning Discussions. Just the information within these forums is enough to practically get you an AA. I guess I was just disappointed at the thought that someone wouldn't want to advance. Well I don't want to go on. Just wanted to get that off my mind. Talk to you all later.
There will always be those who have no inspiration in life and are intent upon ensuring others follow their lead. Lead your own life, and if education is an aspiration, or inspiration, follow your goals. Good luck on your path.
The "lobsters in a bucket" metaphor has always been one of the best. You are wise to realize it when you see it happening. The next step is even more difficult. Quit hanging out with people who aren't down with your program. Good luck to you, Carlos.
Hey, I'm with the slackers! Once I finish this stupid Master of Laws, I'll go for the doctorate and that's gonna be IT! (Well, except for a science class or two and maybe some more Spanish...) Actually, I am a born and bred Seattleite. A local author once described our collective and remarkable lack of ambition (pre Bill Gates, remember) as a state of "disgruntled tranquility", brought on by the incomparable scenery, endlessly mild weather, soft gray light, and clinical depression. Doesn't Starbucks sell a "Suicide Prevention Blend"? I dunno, though. Is Seattle REALLY better off having discovered ambition in the ninties?
But poor Carlos is stuck in Houson. A friend of mine described Houston as "LA traffic on dirt roads." Give the lad some encouragement.
Hi Carlos, Perceptive insight. If people accepted your truth/discovery they would likely be forced to take some action and get off their butt. It is much easier to throw stones, so they can do nothing and then blame the world for their lack of success. I had countless people shoot down my degree, yet they had none of their own. Others put it down simply because tehy didn't understand DL. The teacher appears when the student is ready. Bottom line, don't listen to fat people for advice on losing weight.
Its not that bad if you live inside the loop. If you have to leave the loop, then your in trouble. If I ever moved back to Houston, I would definetly be a loopie again.
Carlos, People who generally complain about your pursuit of a degree are most of the time motivated by jealousy, in particular co-workers, they are the most troublesome. However you can still enjoy toying with them. For example when you finish up your degree there will be widespread speculation! Sending out feelers they encourage the company "steam leaks" to apporoach you over your future plans; be extremly evasive perhaphs even hinting at further degree enhancement such as a bachelors, masters etc.! When facing such Machiavellian tactics, enjoy the moment as a cat does a ball of yarn, swat them around by hinting at higher degree enhancment soon they will realize such tactics are a double edged sword. But remember you will not make many friends in such a manner, but hey, it is priceless to see the mole scurry off and announce to the clique how you just pulled a masters degree out on him like a switch blade! Best, Gavin
Its intresting to see some of the replies. To answer a few responses I am not here at work to make friends at the expense of furthering my education. I am very amicable and easy going so I don't really run into too many negative people and I am intelligent enough to know to avoid the ones who would only be "anchors". And while Houston traffic can be bad - I think your attitude can make heaven into hell and hell into heaven. The post was originally posted because I was trying to pass on this website and just trying to show how it is not that difficult and time consuming to get a degree towards some members of my family. And while I have been disappointed by their lack of interest I have my intrests (getting my BA and moving on towards my masters). It was more of a frustration type of post. I could elaborate some more on a few things but I some work to do. Just wanted to say I appreciate the posts and the feedback. It gives me things to think about.
LOL!!!! I dunno, Houston has better museums than austin does, and they haven't been californiaized as of yet either.....
